2015 Winnebago Brave 26A Review
Winnebago is bringing retro back. The revamped Brave 26A has the look of a 1960’s hippy-mobile, but the amenities of a 2015 RV. Back to the Future is not just a movie; it’s the Winnebago Brave.
Thee Brake floorplans are available to choose from. The 26A offers a cozy living room with a sofa bed for overnight guests. The 27B offers a large dining area for eating and entertaining. Lastly, the 31C offers a king-size bed in the Master Suite. We decided to explore the 26A because its use of space and cozy layout.
For measurements, the Brave 26A has a length of 27’8”, exterior height of 11’8.5”, exterior width of 8’5.5”, interior height of 6’9” and interior width of 8’0.5”. As well, the Brave 26A has 93 cu. ft. of exterior storage and a 19’ awning. For liquids, the Winnebago Brave 26A has a freshwater tank capacity of 40 gallons, water heater capacity of 6 gallons, holding tank capacity of 42 gallons and a black/gray water capacity of 42 gallons. Its LP capacity is 18 gallons and fuel capacity is 80 gallons. The Brave 26A has a gross combined weight rating of 23,000 lbs, gross vehicle weight rating of 16,000 lbs, front gross axle weight rating of 6,500 lbs and rear gross axle weight rating of 11,000 lbs.
Powered by a 362 hp 6.8L three-valve Triton V10 SEFI engine, the Brave 26A will be a reliable confederate on the road. It features TorqShift five-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul. It has hydro boost power brakes and four-wheel ABS to ensure safety on bad road conditions. It is equipped with seven-pin trailer wiring and trailer hitch. Its automatic hydraulic leveling jacks will set you up quickly and its stainless steel wheel liners are made to battle the toughest conditions.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Winnebago Trend 23L
Winnebago gives you four décor options. Our favourite option is Good Vibrations, which features warm colors, fun patterns and splashes of yellow. Other three-décor options are: Calypso, Moody Blue and Corduroy. Winnebago also gives you the choice between two wood finishes: the Cherry Cola is a chocolaty brown color, while the Cream Soda is a creamy vanilla color. Both compliment the three décor options and add warmth to the space.
Let’s start with the most important room of the house, the cockpit. Driver and passenger will sit comfortably in the cab seats, which feature hinged armrests, lumbar support, and multi-adjustable slide/recline/swivel. Three-point seat belts will keep you safe, while the AM/FM Bluetooth-ready radio will keep you entertained. The radio also features a clock, front auxiliary input and four speakers. A passenger workstation helps you pass time with 12-volt power point and USB. The moveable console has a rearview Monitor System and Rand McNally RV GPS. Making driving safe and comfortable, the steering wheel has tilt and power-assist. Prepared for the four seasons, Winnebago Brave is equipped with sun visors and windows with defrost. For extra privacy, there’s a wraparound curtain.
Since the 2015 Winnebago is built with the spirit of the 1960’s, you might feel inclined to entertain guests. Luckily, the living room is well suited for small get-togethers. Twist the driver and passenger seats around so they are facing a small coffee table, a sofa and a chair. Some people can even sit at the dinette. The 28” HDTV features an amplified digital TV antenna system. You also have the option of requesting a DVD Player and remote. LED ceiling lights keep the place bright and MCD blackout roller shades will keep the sun’s rays at bay. If guests decide to sleep over, convert the sofa into a bed or send the guests to the StudioLoft, equipped with a power dome, ladder and lights.
Instead pulling into fast food parking lots, walk into Winnebago’s kitchen. Equipped with the necessary appliances and storage space, you can make dinner as gourmet or simple as you want. A flip-up countertop extension lets you chop and prepare without having to improvise space. The laminate countertop features decorative backsplash and the full-extension drawers have roller-bearing guides. Store leftovers in the two-door refrigerator, equipped with a freezer, and reheat leftovers in the microwave oven. The three-burner range top comes with an oven so the Martha Stewarts of your family can hone their baking skills, even when they’re on the road.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Jayco Seneca 37TS Review
The bathroom will keep you and your Winnebago smelling fresh. Store your toiletries in the medicine cabinet, which sits above a laminate countertop. The shower is equipped with a flexible showerhead, curtain and skylight. There’s no excuse to forget to flush; the toilet features a foot pedal so you don’t even have to bend down to pull a handle.
When you’re ready to recharge, head to your bedroom. It has everything you need – a queen bed, equipped with a mattress cover. What more can you ask for?
The 2015 Winnebago Brave 26A sells for around $98,000. For more information visit: http://www.gowinnebago.com/.
